Penistone's high-speed broadband trial update announced for May
I have long made clear my ambition for all towns, villages and rural communities to get access to high speed broadband. So in late November 2021 I put forward the case, and my support for Penistone to take part in a project to put high speed fibre into our water pipes, following up again in February 2022.
So it was brilliant that in April 2022 the Department announced that Penistone would be part of the £3.2 million Fibre in Water trial.
Most recently, I raised a question in Parliament to find out when the trial would conclude.
Topical Questions | March 15
" year ago, the Department announced that Penistone had been chosen for the UK’s first trial to deliver high-speed broadband through water pipes. The fibre in the water project, which is happening in partnership with Yorkshire Water, is of huge interest to my constituents as it promises the opportunity for rural areas to access high-speed broadband without the cost and inconvenience of major infrastructure works. Will the Minister update me on the progress of the project and tell me how quickly my constituents might see the benefits?"
"Fibre in the water has been a fantastic and innovative project. We expect to complete the research in May, and I hope to be able to update my hon. Friend, who has been doing fantastic work on this."
Minister for Data and Digital Infrastructure, Julia Lopez
Rural areas are some of the hardest to reach, which is why I'm so excited by the Fibre in Water trial. Putting fibre into existing pipes will not only allow local residents and businesses get access to high speed broadband, but would also allow our water companies to use the technology to improve leak detection rates, helping to save water.
